Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+

Chapter 37

CAUTION: The following chapter contains references to serious suicidal ideas and themes that may be deeply triggering. If this is too overwhelming for you, please feel free to skip this chapter to protect yourself.  I don't want anyone Nobody wants to be reminded of the pain and suffering they have endured.

Vinnie's P.O.V

Typical that mere thought of her name would disrupt my peaceful slumber. No doubt she was Aphrodite's chosen one. With a single glance, and my heart was forever altered. At the time, I thought my luck had changed, but the reality was that she was the harbinger of doom.

Flashback [Set in CloudMount. A place he used to call home.]

After Mordechai's burial, my world shattered. Grief wrapped around me like a heavy cloak, and to make things worse, my so-called "friends" vanished. As if my sorrow was too much for them to handle. Unbelievable. Just because I was quieter, more withdrawn than usual, they thought it was fine to leave me in the dust?

Desperate to find some kind of relief, I rushed to my goat yoga class. My therapist's idea, not mine. I wasn't sure how stretching alongside tiny, bleating animals was supposed to help, but at this point, I was willing to try anything.

Lost in thought, I didn't see them until it was too late. One second, I was storming ahead. The next, I slammed straight into someone.

"Oh, my goodness, I can't believe I'm so clumsy! I clearly wasn't focusing on where I was headed!" the person, with a strong accent, sheepishly apologized.

I took out my earphones and looked up. A thick afro cascaded majestically from her head, unveiling a face wrought with tension. Her skin was a beautiful, deep umber brown, with eyes that had seen more than their fair share of sorrow. Despite this, she emanated an aura of divine power and grace.

"No, it's my fault, really."

Her eyes sparkled as she asked, "Would you let me buy you a drink as a way of apologising?" Her beaming smile was downright irresistible.

"Uh. . ."

She grinned, "Come on, it's my treat."

I hesitated for only a second before shrugging. "Why not? I'm sure I could make some time."

"Great, follow me. I'm about to blow your mind." She shot me a wink before leading the way, and for some reason, I had a feeling my day was about to take an unexpected turn.

Her outfit was captivating; a crisp white top accompanied by a dashing blue cardigan, and all topped off with a pair of pristine white jeans. It was the perfect balance of alluring and casual. She stood tall, radiating self-assurance and poise, whilst still maintaining a warm, inviting aura.

"You're a fresh face. Are you just arriving in this area?" she probed with enthusiasm.

"It depends on who you ask."

"Vague. But I'll let it slide this time."

As we approached the chic cafe, I couldn't help but marvel at the inviting brown tables adorned with cheerful umbrellas. My senses were tantalized by the delectable smell of paninis that filled the atmosphere.

"Where should we sit?" I asked.

"Over there. It's my favourite spot."

I trailed her to the back of the room and found a warm, inviting leather sofa with a coffee table in front of it, creating the perfect place to relax.

"Mhm, come to Mama!" she purred, settling into the couch with a smile. "Shit, sorry! I completely forgot to ask your name!" she blurted, feeling a little embarrassed.